[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 179 (Monday, September 20, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52109-52111]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-19964]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2021-0783; Project Identifier 2019-SW-009-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type 
Certificate Previously Held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) 
Helicopters

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited (type certificate previously 
held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited) Model 505 helicopters. 
This proposed AD was prompted by the determination that reducing the 
pressure altitude limitations for certain fuel types is necessary. This 
proposed AD would require revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manal 
(RFM) for your helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the 
unsafe condition on these products.

DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 4, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address between 9 a.m. and 
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this NPRM, contact Bell 
Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J 
1R4, Canada; telephone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax 1-450-433-
0272; email [email protected]; or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support. You may view this

[[Page 52110]]

service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, 
Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort Worth, TX 
76177. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, 
call (817) 222-5110.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket at https://www.regulations.gov by 
searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2021-0783; or in person at 
Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the 
Transport Canada AD, any comments received, and other information. The 
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rao Edupuganti, Aerospace Engineer, 
Dynamic Systems Section, Technical Innovation Policy Branch, Policy & 
Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; 
telephone (817) 222-5110; email [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2021-0783; Project Identifier 
2019-SW-009-AD'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful 
comments reference a specific portion of the proposal, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposal because of those comments.
    Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in 
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to 
https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you 
provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each 
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.

Confidential Business Information

    CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily 
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of 
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public 
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial 
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that 
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to 
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted 
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing 
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as 
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public 
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Rao 
Edupuganti, Aerospace Engineer, Dynamic Systems Section, Technical 
Innovation Policy Branch, Policy & Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 
Hillwood Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected]. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is 
not specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket 
for this rulemaking.

Background

    Transport Canada, which is the aviation authority for Canada, has 
issued Canadian AD CF-2019-08, dated March 5, 2019 (Canadian AD CF-
2019-08), to correct an unsafe condition for Bell Helicopter Textron 
Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters serial numbers 65011 and 
subsequent. Transport Canada advises of the need to reduce the altitude 
limitations for Jet B and JP-4 wide-cut fuels following unsatisfactory 
performance of the engine at the original higher altitude limitations 
with these wide-cut fuels. This condition, if not addressed, could 
result in low fuel pressure, engine flame-out, or engine power 
interruption (a change in any engine performance parameter--including 
but not limited to gas generator speed, power turbine speed, main gas 
temperature, or output torque--outside its normal limits for the 
prevailing operating conditions).
    Accordingly, Canadian AD CF-2019-08 requires revising the RFM to 
reflect the reduced altitude operating limitations for Jet B and JP-4 
wide-cut fuels.

FAA's Determination

    These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of 
Canada and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to 
the FAA's bilateral agreement with Canada, Transport Canada, its 
technical representative, has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition 
described in its AD. The FAA is proposing this AD after evaluating all 
known relevant information and determining that the unsafe condition 
described previously is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters 
of the same type design.

Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51

    The FAA reviewed Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 
1), of Bell 505 Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT-505-FM-1, Revision 3, 
dated July 25, 2018, which specifies limitations, normal and emergency 
procedures, performance data, weight and balance information, and 
provides a list of approved optional equipment supplements. This 
revision of the service information includes an updated figure of the 
fuel operating envelope showing the reduced pressure altitude 
limitations for Jet B and JP-4 fuels.
    This service information is reasonably available because the 
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of 
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.

Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM

    This proposed AD would require revising the existing RFM for your 
helicopter by updating the fuel operating envelope figure to require 
reduced pressure altitude limitations for Jet B and JP-4 fuels. 
Incorporating the RFM revision may be performed by the owner/operator 
(pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be 
entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in 
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439. This is an exception to our standard 
maintenance regulations.

Differences Between This Proposed AD and the Transport Canada AD

    Canadian AD CF-2019-08 requires updating the RFM to Bell 505 RFM 
BHT-505-FM-1 Revision 3 or later revisions approved by Transport 
Canada, whereas this proposed AD would require revising the Limitations 
Section of the RFM for your helicopter by replacing the existing Figure 
1-6. with Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 1) of Bell 
505 RFM BHT-505-FM-1, Revision 3, dated July 25, 2018.

Costs of Compliance

    The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would 
affect 73 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Labor rates are estimated at 
$85 per work-hour. Based on these numbers, the FAA estimates the 
following costs to comply with this proposed AD.
    Revising the existing RFM for your helicopter would take about 0.5 
work-hour for an estimated cost of $43 per helicopter or $3,139 for the 
U.S. fleet.

[[Page 52111]]

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. 
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight 
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for 
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary 
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that 
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to 
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed, I certify this proposed regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
    (3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness 
directive:

Bell Textron Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by 
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited): Docket No. FAA-2021-0783; 
Project Identifier 2019-SW-009-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive 
(AD) by November 4, 2021.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (type 
certificate previously held by Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 
Limited) Model 505 helicopters having serial number 65011 and 
subsequent, certificated in any category.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 7300, Engine fuel 
and control.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by the determination that reducing the 
pressure altitude limitations for certain fuel types is necessary. 
The FAA is issuing this AD to address unsatisfactory flight 
performance of the engine above pressure altitude limitations for 
Jet B and JP-4 fuels. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could 
result in low fuel pressure, engine flame-out, or engine power 
interruption.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Required Actions

    Within 30 calendar days after the effective date of this AD, 
revise the Limitations Section of the existing Rotorcraft Flight 
Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by replacing Figure 1-6. with 
Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope (Sheet 1 of 1) of Bell 505 
Rotorcraft Flight Manual BHT-505-FM-1, Revision 3, dated July 25, 
2018 (BHT-505-FM-1 Revision 3). Using a different document with 
information identical to that in Figure 1-6. Fuel Operating Envelope 
(Sheet 1 of 1) of BHT-505-FM-1 Revision 3 is acceptable for 
compliance with the requirements of this AD. The action required by 
this paragraph may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) 
holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered 
into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in 
accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 
91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 
91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.

(h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the 
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the 
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, 
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight 
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information 
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send 
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (i)(1) of 
this AD. Information may be emailed to: [email protected].
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(i) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Rao Edupuganti, 
Aerospace Engineer, Dynamic Systems Section, Technical Innovation 
Policy Branch, Policy & Innovation Division, FAA, 10101 Hillwood 
Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177; telephone (817) 222-5110; email 
[email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bell 
Textron Canada Limited, 12,800 Rue de l'Avenir, Mirabel, Quebec J7J 
1R4, Canada; telephone 1-450-437-2862 or 1-800-363-8023; fax 1-450-
433-0272; email [email protected]; or at https://www.bellflight.com/support/contact-support. You may view this 
referenced service information at the FAA, Office of the Regional 
Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Pkwy., Room 6N-321, Fort 
Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this 
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
    (3) The subject of this AD is addressed in Transport Canada AD 
CF-2019-08, dated March 5, 2019. You may view the Transport Canada 
AD on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov in Docket No. FAA-
2021-0783.

    Issued on September 7, 2021.
Ross Landes,
Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness 
Division, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-19964 Filed 9-17-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P